Multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOL) are special artificial lenses to correct long-sightedness, short-sightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism. The implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses is carried out as part of a so-called refractive lens exchange.
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Article overview
- What are multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOL)?
- Preliminary examinations before the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
- Procedure for the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
- Complications and risks associated with the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
- Follow-up treatment after implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
- Conclusion on multifocal intraocular lenses
Multifocal intraocular lenses - Further information
What are multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOL)?
Would you like to wake up in the morning and see clearly without glasses or contact lenses? The implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOL) is a surgical procedure to correct long-sightedness, short-sightedness and presbyopia. Astigmatism can also be successfully corrected with multifocal intraocular lenses.
In this procedure, doctors remove the body's own lens and replace it with a multifocal intraocular lens. This procedure is similar to cataract surgery, the most common surgical procedure in eye surgery. As the multifocal intraocular lens corrects distance and near vision, you no longer need glasses in everyday life.

Preliminary examinations before the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
The doctor and specially trained technical staff will examine your eyes in detail before implantation. The painless examinations take around two to three hours.
The preliminary examinations include
- Measurement of visual acuity
- Determination of the intraocular pressure
- Determination of the corneal topography
Procedure for the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
After you have eaten at home as usual, you will come to the clinic at the agreed time. When you arrive, you will be taken to the operating department. Assistants will prepare you for the implantation of the multifocal intraocular lenses and carry out some routine examinations (blood pressure measurement, ECG). You will then be given eye drops.
- Anesthesia for the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
The implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses takes place under local anesthesia. This means that you are conscious but do not feel any pain.
In most cases, special eye drops are sufficient to anaesthetize you. You will not feel any pain during the operation. An anesthesiologist will take care of you during the procedure.
- Operation to implant multifocal intraocular lenses
It cannot be ruled out that you will need glasses for computer work or for very small print. In principle, the multifocal intraocular lens has no near adaptation capability.
The surgical steps involved in implanting multifocal intraocular lenses:
- Doctors open the lens capsule through a small incision at the edge of the cornea.
- They then cut up and remove the lens parts using an ultrasound probe.
- They insert the multifocal intraocular lens.
- The implantation of the new multifocal intraocular lens is completed. The elastic lens stirrups stabilize it in the remaining capsular bag.
- Medication for the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
You should behave as usual before the operation. Do not change your diet or therapy and take your medication as usual.
If you are taking Marcumar or other anticoagulants, please consult your family doctor.
After the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses, you must take antibiotic eye drops. Your doctor will discuss with you how often and for how long you will need them.
Complications and risks associated with the implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
Multifocal intraocular lenses can result in the following complications:
- Infections of the eye with the possibility of severe and most severe impairment up to loss of vision of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare, possibly permanently
- Reduced night vision, possibly permanently
- Over- or undercorrection with the need for further surgery or corrective lenses
- Change in spatial vision, which can lead to impaired orientation, e.g. when driving
- After the operation, you may need reading glasses for small print texts or on the computer
Follow-up treatment after implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses
The first check-up will always take place in the clinic the day after the operation. The doctor will tell you how to use the eye drops, which you will instill for four weeks. He will also explain to you when you should wear protective goggles.